Countdown to Shrimpfest!

Watch out for pirates during the Amelia Island Shrimp Festival, May 4-6, 2012.

The countdown to Shrimpfest has begun!

Each year, the Shrimp Festival celebrates the humble shrimp and all shrimp has brought to Fernandina Beach. The modern, motorized shrimping industry has its roots here, and shrimp remains critical to the economy of the town. At night, lights from shrimp boats glimmer on the water. During the day, those same boats are moored in Fernandina Harbor. Day after day, locals and visitors alike dine on fresh, local, wild-caught shrimp. Life is good.

Shrimpfest is one of the biggest events of the year on Amelia Island (it has grown considerably since the first celebration in 1963). Thousands of visitors come to enjoy the live music, the crafts and antique fairs, fireworks, and the Shrimp Festival Parade. Visitors expect to be invaded by pirates (all in good fun), and to consume shrimp just about any way it can be prepared.

The Amelia Island Shrimp Festival takes place the first weekend in May; this year, that’s May 4, 5, and 6. Book your Amelia Island Bed and Breakfast soon. See you at Shrimp Festival 2012!